Core Viewpoint - Designer Brands Inc. (NYSE:DBI) reported disappointing Q2 2024 earnings, with a non-GAAP EPS of 0.29,missingestimatesby0.24, and revenue falling short by 44.24million[3][6].FinancialPerformance−Q22024non−GAAPEPSwas0.29, down from 0.59year−over−year[19].−Revenueforthequarterwas772 million, a decrease of 2.6% from the previous year [18]. - Adjusted net income fell to 17.1millionfrom39.4 million [18]. - Gross margins decreased by 170 basis points to 32.8% due to lower mark-ups and increased promotions [18]. - Operating expenses rose to 28.9% of sales, up from 26.9% [18]. - Interest expenses increased to 11millionfrom6.9 million [18]. Market Position and Strategy - Designer Brands operates over 640 stores across the U.S. and Canada, with a focus on footwear and accessories [7]. - The company has shifted its strategy towards athletic and athleisure products, which now represent 42% of its offerings, up from 32% in 2017 [13]. - Sales of the top eight athletic brands increased over 30%, contributing to overall athletic sales growth of 16% [13]. Consumer Trends - The athleisure market is projected to reach 456billionby2029,withaCAGRofover60.50-0.60EPS,downfrom0.70-0.80,duetoaslowerrecovery[19].ValuationandDebt−DBI′sblendedprice−to−earningsratiois8.83x,lowerthanitsusual12.15x,indicatingpotentialvaluationconcerns[16].−Thecompanyhasatotaldebtof1.28 billion against a market cap of $297.11 million, leading to a high long-term debt-to-capital ratio of 68.2% [16]. - The EV/EBITDA ratio of 17.14 is significantly higher than the sector's 10.64, indicating higher leverage [16][17].